Romelu Lukaku was angered by claims he left Everton because he practiced voodoo

A Catholic football player is taking legal action following claims he left Everton because of a voodoo message.

Romelu Lukaku departed Everton last summer after signing to Manchester United in a £75 million deal.

On Tuesday, Everton owner Farhad Moshiri said the player rejected a new contract because “he had a voodoo and he got the message that he needs to go to Chelsea”. Chelsea had tried to sign Lukaku before he formalised the deal with Manchester United.

A representative for the player told BBC Sport: “Romelu’s decision had nothing to do with voodoo. He distances himself from these beliefs and this statement and will now see what judicial steps can be taken in relation to them.”

“Romelu is very Catholic and voodoo is not part of his life or his beliefs,” the representative added. “He simply had no faith in Everton and no confidence in Mr Moshiri’s project. That is why he did not want to sign on any condition. He wanted to make the next step in his career and wanted the security to be able to leave.”